First Boudoir Photography session 2010

Our first boudoir back in the first week of January 2010 was with Kathrine who booked not only for her boyfriend but also for her birthday.


She brought along the most fabulous corset set and killer heels , here are a few images from her session.

Nina's Vintage Nude photo shoot

Had another fantastic shoot yesterday, Make up by Sophie Lyall, Nottingham. Please note the following images contain nudity and are only suitable for those aged over 18.
We worked through a mix of vintage, fine art nude and some boudoir to finish.

Betsy's hints and tips

I notice on a lot of forums and in general are questions asked by potential clients about their boudoir sessions, these range from what should I wear to how do I pose, well to help out a little bit we will be posting hints and tips on clothing, posing for any shape, hair and more.... the all important girly stuff.

Tips will be coming from Betsy's as well as other sources, past clients, other boudoir photographers, our team of make up artists.

These will be posted on our facebook page and less frequently on the blog

http://www.facebook.com/betsysboudoir

Boudoir Photographer Interview Ivana Bencic

Todays interview is with Croatian photographer Ivana Bencic, Although she hasnt been photographing Boudoir for very long, I just love her style and choice of locations.

As always I ask my guest to tell me a little about themselves:

I was introduced to boudoir photography just last year as something that should be connected with weddings, brides etc. But I didn’t “understand” much about it because Croatia knows/shows nothing about boudoir. But it wasn’t until The Boudoir Divas workshop which I attended, that I realized how amazing this is and how really I want to do it. My goal is to specialize in boudoir photography, but I’m just at the beginning J

So lets start with the obvious, why Boudoir?

Too much magazines, commercials, movies, people… telling women how they should look. Boudoir changes the perception of the world today. If only women had an inch of self-esteem which could tell them that they don`t have to look like “that and that” to be attractive/pretty/beautiful.

How long have you been photographing Boudoir?

Now and then for about a year. Strongly for three months.

How would you describe your style?

Sensual, soft, ladylike, chic.

What did you photograph before you got bitten by the boudoir bug?

Concerts, weddings, places, portraits. A lot.

More about you, where did you grow up?

Zagreb, Croatia. Still living here.

Do you prefer to work in studio or location when it comes to Boudoir?

Both!

Boudoir photography is still in its infancy in the UK, How is it seen in the Croatia?

If in UK its in infancy, in Croatia it`s a fetus

What’s your favourite boudoir pose?

Girl lying on her back and looking mysteriously above and back at the camera

Can you show us some of your recent work?

Do you have a favourite photographer living or dead?

Lillian Bassman, Gregory Colbert...

What is the best thing for you about shooting boudoir?

Transformation of 'thorns to roses' Making women laugh and happy. Making women feel good about themselves. Seeing the reaction: " OMG this is me?!" :)

Does anyone or anything influence your photography?

I'm influenced by art, architechture, women and french photography

Who is the most important person in your life?

It`s hard to pick just one. I guess I`m lucky having few.

Sometimes the initial reaction from people on the street is that I am a glamour photographer, do you get a similar reaction and how do you deal with them?

If they see you here on the street with a great dressed lady, they would think glamour, fashion, editorial… never boudoir. I explain it`s boudoir and hand them my business card.

If you could shoot with any other photographer in the world who would it be?

Too many to choose.

Do you provide any wardrobe for your clients? If so what’s your favourite item?

Nope, they provide it for themselves. But I LOVE corsets and high heals.

PC or Mac?

PC.

When you’re not working as a photographer what do you enjoy doing?

Actually I have a full time job in a ticketing company and a part time job as a photographer. Photography is rarely a good money-making job in Croatia.

Any can't live without’ pieces of equipment?

My Fuji S3 camera, Sigma 18-50 mm 2.8 lens and Nikon Speedlight SB 28DX flash.

Finally any advice you would give to budding boudoir photographers wanting to start out?

Go to the Boudoir Divas workshop first. It will all come clear then and there.

More of Ivanas work can be found at :

www.ivanabencic.com

http://ivanabencic.blogspot.com

Thank you very much for taking the time out

Vintage boudoir photo shoot

A fellow photographer who is just starting out her career joined me yesterday for a studio shoot with model vintage model, Kareena. Amanda mostly photographs dog obedience and is a dog trainer herself, she wants to get more experience photographing people.

Kareena has the most fantasic range of vintage wear in her wardrobe, not to mention her flame red hair, and we got to shoot some of it. Here are a few of my images.

Boudoir Photographer Interview Leah Stafford

Our next interviewee is boudoir & wedding

photographer from Lakemore Ohio, Leah Stafford.

Leah tell us a bit about yourself,

When I was planning my wedding in 2007 I picked up a

camera and took some pictures. Thinking nothing of it, I just kept going. It was a good hobby in the midst of wedding planning. My husband saw the images and not even a week later I had a new camera and was on my way. I started doing engagement sessions, babies and anything else I could get my hands on. I never thought it would turn into a full time career not even 6 months later.

Little did I know, 4 months later my best friend would ask me to do a session for her. I have never even dabbled into boudoir yet alone really looked at any boudoir pictures. She wanted it done for her husband overseas but I turned down the opportunity a couple times. Finally, I knew I had to give in and I am so glad I did.

Ever since then I've been traveling the US doing sessions. It's such a joy to have people who believe in you and in return I pass on the belief to my clients. Every women is sexy!

So lets start with the obvious, why Boudoir?

Honestly, when I started off doing weddings, I never thought I would be doing boudoir. Now I specialize in boudoir and it's roughly 90% of my business. I wouldn't have it any other way. Boudoir needs to spread and reach women everywhere. If I can do it one client at a time then that's the way it shall be done!

How long have you been photographing Boudoir?

January 14 2008 was the first day I ever shoot boudoir.

How would you describe your style?

Fun, sexy, timeless. I want images that won't age over time and make you think, “what was I thinking?” I love to use color opposed to dark black and whites and I love capturing details of the corset, thigh highs, etc. These are images you'll look at 40 years from now and still love!

What did you photograph before you got bitten by the boudoir bug?

I was a wedding and portrait photographer.

More about you, where did you grow up?

I was born in the Milwaukee suburbs and when I was still a baby we moved to Florida. My mom, dad and 3 siblings lived there for 7 years before going back to Wisconsin. Then 4 years ago I moved to Ohio after Eric and I dated long distance for awhile. Now, Lakemore, Ohio is our home.

Do you prefer to work in studio or location when it comes to Boudoir?

I have been doing on location boudoir for about a year now. I have done marathons in Chicago, DC, Boston, NYC, Charlotte, Orlando, San Francisco and Kansas City. With the travel comes the use of lots of hotel rooms. It's always a new challenge though because the space is never the same. Now I have a studio and it's a blast incorporating what I have learned from shooting in so many hotels. I think work in hotels can really open up your creative side though. I go into the plainest hotel room and come out with some hot images!

Boudoir photography is still in its infancy in the UK, how is it seen in the US?

We still have a long way to go here but it's definitely becoming more known. When people ask what I do, I definitely get a raised eyebrow. It's always fun explaining what boudoir entails. I think I need to carry a little album in my purse from now on....

What’s your favorite boudoir pose?

I love straight on shots. I believe that you don't need to be manipulated into some pose to look beautiful. I think the girls look the best straight on, capturing them just as they are. My 2^nd favorite pose would be having them lay on their back, head tilted slightly and look straight up to the camera. It's generally not a position most women are photographed in!

Can you show us some of your recent work?

Do you have a favorite photographer living or dead?

Um many! I could never narrow it down. There are way too many that inspire me on a daily basis.

What is the best thing for you about shooting Boudoir?

The best thing about boudoir is the clients. Everyday I am blessed with a different client and a new situation. It is my job to make them comfortable and break their guard down. Sometimes it's a challenge but who doesn't love a challenge. I am given the opportunity to make women feel beautiful. How is that not the best satisfaction ever?

Does anyone or anything influence your photography?

Everything. I really do get inspiration everywhere I go. During my Charlotte marathon I went into the mall with some friends.. At the Gap I saw an image that really inspired me so I took a picture with my iphone. I incorporated that into a session the following day.

Who is the most important person in your life?

My husband Eric. He is amazing beyond belief. :-)

I know here in the UK some peoples initial reaction is that I am a glamour aka nude photographer, do you get a similar reaction and how do you deal with them?

Like I said earlier, I definitely get a raised eyebrow. I need to explain it to most people and also teach they how to say boudoir. Once I tell people to think of pin up work then they really start to understand it. I've never had a bad reaction from it and in most cases it really intrigues the person and they only want to know more!

If you could shoot with any other photographer in the world who would it be ?

I am picking two! Wedding wise it would be Angelica Glass. Seriously, that girl has style.

Boudoir wise it would be The Boudoir Divas hands down.

Do you provide any wardrobe for your clients? If so whats your favorite item ?

The only thing I provide is jewelery from the ever popular, Forever 21. I always find that, that is the one thing that most girls don't remember to bring. Also, it's always fun to accessorize. I hope in the future to add more accessories and probably a size range of red heels. You always feel sexy in red heels!

PC or Mac?

Funny thing is, I used to hate MAC's. Now I cannot go a day without.

When you’re not working as a photographer what do you enjoy doing?

Relaxing! I love spending time with my husband and our 2 dogs. I'm very laid back and quite the homebody. We just moved into our new home so I love laying outside on the patio and also decorating! I enjoy reading travel magazines and I am a huge HGTV addict! Oh, I also love sports, especially basketball!

Finally any advice you would give to budding boudoir photographers wanting to start out?

Be patient, practice and be committed to the journey you're about to embark on. When I first started, my business bloomed overnight and there was no looking back. Remember your clients are the reason you are here and in this business, it's all about client satisfaction.

You can see more of Leahs work by visiting her blog and website:

http://leahstaffordphotography.com/#/intimates-main-flash/

Leah thank you very much for taking the time out.

50's pin up photo shoot

Had a great photo shoot yesterday, with Christina Lauder and Dom Needham, photographers from near Leicester. Our model was Sapphira Chattan who has a passion for 40s/50s .

Heres a few of my shots from the day.

Boudoir photography studio

Well its completed, and we love it. my favourite wall is this jaquard inspired design, it just screams Boudoir in my opinion. Its taken a lot of work but now down to the fun bit, photography. Cant wait.......

Boudoir Divas

Nosing through facebook the other day and I noticed two US photographers known as the Boudoir Divas.

Its interesting to see the girls Marissa Boucher & Kimberlee West marketing to other photographers and although everything looks to be in its infancy thier products look interesting to the UK as well as the US market.

Why not check it out http://www.thedivasblog.com/

Meanwhile back home, Spring has deffinately sprung and we are looking forward to introducing a new product range shortly for you to display your boudoirlicious photos. Watch the boudoir products page closely.

Well back to the studio revamp, see you soon

Boudoir Party

Thursday saw our first Boudoir party, which I am pleased to say went very well.

All the girls had a fab time and even brought me a box of choccies! Working till 1am then having another shoot the morning after did mean the coffee was flowing but still better to be busy and tired than not busy at all.

A couple of the girls were happy for me to use their images for the website and other things so here are just a few of the images from the shoot. Nothing too revealing so you dont need to cover your eyes just yet.